Pyroptosis-Related Genes as Diagnostic Markers in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Its Correlation with Immune Infiltration.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) stands as a predominant cause of global morbidity and mortality. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) and COPD diagnosis in the context of immune infiltration, ultimately proposing a PRG-based diagnostic model for predicting COPD outcomes. Methods: Clinical data and PRGs of COPD patients were sourced from the GEO database. The "ConsensusClusterPlus" package was employed to generate molecular subtypes derived from PRGs that were identified through differential expression analysis and LASSO Cox analysis. A diagnostic signature including eight genes (CASP4, CASP5, ELANE, GPX4, NLRP1, GSDME, NOD1and IL18) was also constructed. Immune cell infiltration calculated by the ESTIMATE score, Stroma scores and Immune scores were also compared on the basis of pyroptosis-related molecular subtypes and the risk signature. We finally used qRT - PCR to detect the expression levels of eight genes in COPD patient and normal. Results: The diagnostic model, anchored on eight PRGs, underwent validation with an independent experimental cohort. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUC) for the diagnostic model showcased values of 0.809, 0.765, and 0.956 for the GSE76925, GSE8545, and GSE5058 datasets, respectively. Distinct expression patterns and clinical attributes of PRGs were observed between the comparative groups, with functional analysis underscoring a disparity in immune-related functions between them. Conclusion: In this study, we developed a potential as diagnostic biomarkers for COPD and have a significant role in modulating the immune response. Such insights pave the way for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for COPD.

Adipocyte pyroptosis occurs in omental tumor microenvironment and is associated with chemoresistance of ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian carcinoma (OC) is a fatal malignancy, with most patients experiencing recurrence and resistance to chemotherapy. In contrast to hematogenous metastasizing tumors, ovarian cancer cells disseminate within the peritoneal cavity, especially the omentum. Previously, we reported omental crown-like structure (CLS) number is associated with poor prognosis of advanced-stage OC. CLS that have pathologic features of a dead or dying adipocyte was surrounded by several macrophages is well known a histologic hallmark for inflammatory adipose tissue. In this study, we attempted to clarify the interaction between metastatic ovarian cancer cells and omental CLS, and to formulate a therapeutic strategy for advanced-stage ovarian cancer. METHODS: A three-cell (including OC cells, adipocytes and macrophages) coculture model was established to mimic the omental tumor microenvironment (TME) of ovarian cancer. Caspase-1 activity, ATP and free fatty acids (FFA) levels were detected by commercial kits. An adipocyte organoid model was established to assess macrophages migration and infiltration. In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed for functional assays and therapeutic effect evaluations. Clinical OC tissue samples were collected for immunochemistry stain and statistics analysis. RESULTS: In three-cell coculture model, OC cells-derived IL-6 and IL-8 could induce the occurrence of pyroptosis in omental adipocytes. The pyroptotic adipocytes release ATP to increase macrophage infiltration, release FFA into TME, uptake by OC cells to increase chemoresistance. From OC tumor samples study, we demonstrated patients with high gasdermin D (GSDMD) expression in omental adipocytes is highly correlated with chemoresistance and poor outcome in advanced-stage OC. In animal model, by pyroptosis inhibitor, DSF, effectively retarded tumor growth and prolonged mice survival. CONCLUSIONS: Omental adipocyte pyroptosis may contribute the chemoresistance in advanced stage OC. Omental adipocytes could release FFA and ATP through the GSDMD-mediate pyroptosis to induce chemoresistance and macrophages infiltration resulting the poor prognosis in advanced-stage OC. Inhibition of adipocyte pyroptosis may be a potential therapeutic modality in advanced-stage OC with omentum metastasis.

Development of an miRFP680-Based Fluorescent Calcium Ion Biosensor Using End-Optimized Transposons.

The development of new or improved single fluorescent protein (FP)-based biosensors (SFPBs), particularly those with excitation and emission at near-infrared wavelengths, is important for the continued advancement of biological imaging applications. In an effort to accelerate the development of new SFPBs, we report modified transposons for the transposase-based creation of libraries of FPs randomly inserted into analyte binding domains, or vice versa. These modified transposons feature ends that are optimized to minimize the length of the linkers that connect the FP to the analyte binding domain. We rationalized that shorter linkers between the domains should result in more effective allosteric coupling between the analyte binding-dependent conformational change in the binding domain and the fluorescence modulation of the chromophore of the FP domain. As a proof of concept, we employed end-modified Mu transposons for the discovery of SFPB prototypes based on the insertion of two circularly permuted red FPs (mApple and FusionRed) into binding proteins for l-lactate and spermidine. Using an analogous approach, we discovered calcium ion (Ca2+)-specific SFPBs by random insertion of calmodulin (CaM)-RS20 into miRFP680, a particularly bright near-infrared (NIR) FP based on a biliverdin (BV)-binding fluorescent protein. Starting from an miRFP680-based Ca2+ biosensor prototype, we performed extensive directed evolution, including under BV-deficient conditions, to create highly optimized biosensors designated the NIR-GECO3 series. We have extensively characterized the NIR-GECO3 series and explored their utility for biological Ca2+ imaging. The methods described in this work will serve to accelerate SFPB development and open avenues for further exploration and optimization of SFPBs across a spectrum of biological applications.

Risk of dyslipidemia and major adverse cardiac events with tofacitinib versus adalimumab in rheumatoid arthritis: a real-world cohort study from 7580 patients.

Objective: To compare the effects of tofacitinib and adalimumab on the risk of adverse lipidaemia outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Data of adult patients newly diagnosed with RA who were treated with tofacitinib or adalimumab at least twice during a 3-year period from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2020, were enrolled in the TriNetX US Collaborative Network. Patient demographics, comorbidities, medications, and laboratory data were matched by propensity score at baseline. Outcome measurements include incidental risk of dyslipidemia, major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and all-cause mortality. Results: A total of 7,580 newly diagnosed patients with RA (1998 receiving tofacitinib, 5,582 receiving adalimumab) were screened. After propensity score matching, the risk of dyslipidaemia outcomes were higher in the tofacitinib cohort, compared with adalimumab cohort (hazard ratio [HR] with 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.250 [1.076-1.453]). However, there is no statistically significant differences between two cohorts on MACE (HR, 0.995 [0.760-1.303]) and all-cause mortality (HR, 1.402 [0.887-2.215]). Conclusion: Tofacitinib use in patients with RA may increase the risk of dyslipidaemia to some extent compared to adalimumab. However, there is no differences on MACE and all-cause mortality.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and dermatomyositis: A 2-sample mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in dermatomyositis (DM) patients, but the exact causal relationship between them remains elusive. Our aim is to confirm the causal relationship between 25(OH)D and DM risk through a Mendelian randomization study. METHODS: Retrieve genome-wide association study (GWAS) data on 25(OH)D (n = 441 291) and DM (n cases = 201, n controls = 172 834) from the GWAS database (https://gwas.mrcieu.ac.uk/). Select single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) strongly correlated with 25(OH)D as instrumental variables (IVs). The primary analytical approach involves the use of the inverse-variance weighted method (IVW), supplemented by MR-Egger regression and weighted median methods to enhance the reliability of the results. Heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses were conducted using Cochran's Q and leave-one-out approaches, respectively. RESULTS: The IVW analysis confirmed a positive causal relationship between genetic variation in 25(OH)D levels and DM (OR = 2.36, 95% CI = 1.01-5.52, p = .048). Although not statistically significant (all p > .05), the other methods also suggested a protective effect of 25(OH)D on DM. Based on MR-Egger intercepts and Cochran's Q analysis, the selected SNPs showed no horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated the robustness of the results against individual SNPs. CONCLUSION: We provide the first evidence of a causal relationship between 25(OH)D levels and DM. Our findings support the importance of measuring serum 25(OH)D levels and considering vitamin D supplementation in clinical practice for patients with DM.

Diagnosis and treatment of syphilitic uveitis: Taiwan experts consensus.

A recent resurgence in the incidence of syphilis has sparked a new interest in this old disease. Syphilitic uveitis remains a challenging disease, among the variable syphilis infections, due to the diagnostic complexity and the wide clinical manifestations. Here, we provide recommendations regarding clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment for patients with syphilitic uveitis in Taiwan based on an expert meeting and consensus from experienced uveitis specialists.

Genetics in neovascular age-related macular degeneration susceptibility and treatment response to anti-VEGF intravitreal injection: A case series study.

BACKGROUND: To identify genotypes associated with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and investigate the associations between genotype variations and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment response. METHODS: This observational, retrospective, case series study enrolled patients diagnosed with nAMD who received anti-VEGF treatment in National Taiwan University Hospital with at least one-year follow-up between 2012 and 2020. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted on enrolled patients and controls. Correlations between the genotypes identified from GWAS and the treatment response of functional/anatomical biomarkers, including visual acuity (VA), presence of intraretinal or subretinal fluid (SRF), serous or fibrovascular pigmented epithelium detachment (PED), and disruption of the ellipsoid zone (EZ), were analysed. RESULTS: In total, 182 patients with nAMD and 1748 controls were enrolled. GWAS revealed 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as risk loci for nAMD, including seven loci in CFH and ARMS2/HTRA1 and nine novel loci, including rs117517872 and rs79835234(COPB2-DT), rs7525578(RAP1A), rs2123738(LOC105376755), rs1374879(CNTN3), rs3812692(SAR1A), rs117501587(PRKCA), rs9965945(CNDP1), and rs189769231(MATK). Our study revealed rs800292(CFH), rs11200638(HTRA1), and rs2123738(LOC105376755) correlated with poor treatment response in VA (P = 0.005), SRF (P = 0.044), and fibrovascular PED (P = 0.007), respectively. Rs9965945(CNDP1) was correlated with poor response in disruption of EZ (P = 0.046) and serous PED (P = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Among the 16 SNPs found in the GWAS, four loci-CFH, ARMS2/HTRA1, and two novel loci-were correlated with the susceptibility of nAMD and anatomical/functional responses after anti-VEGF treatment.

Use of corticosteroids in non-infectious uveitis - expert consensus in Taiwan.

PURPOSE: To offer consensus on the utilization of corticosteroids (CS) for treating non-infectious uveitis in the context of clinical practice in Taiwan. This entails examining the different administration methods, their advantages and disadvantages, and considering alternative treatments according to the prevailing evidence and health policies. METHODS: Ten ophthalmologists and one rheumatologist convened on December 11, 2022, to review and discuss literature on the topic. The databases explored were the Central Cochrane library, EMBASE, Medline, PUBMED, and Web of Science using relevant keywords. The search spanned from January 1996 to June 2023. After the initial results of the literature review were presented, open voting determined the final statements, with a statement being accepted if it secured more than 70% agreement. This consensus was then presented at significant meetings for further discussions before the final version was established. RESULTS: A flow chart and nine statements emerged from the deliberations. They address the importance of CS in uveitis management, guidelines for using topical CS, indications for both periocular or intravitreal and systemic therapies, and tapering and discontinuation methods for both topical and systemic CS. CONCLUSION: While CS are a cornerstone for non-infectious uveitis treatment, their administration requires careful consideration, depending on the clinical situation and the specific type of uveitis. The consensus generated from this article provides a guideline for practitioners in Taiwan, taking into account local health policies and the latest research on the subject. It emphasizes the significance of strategic tapering, the potential for alternative therapies, and the importance of patient-centric care.

Methotrexate and the Risk of Dementia: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study.

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies have suggested a potential association between methotrexate use and an increased risk of dementia. However, the causal relationship between methotrexate and dementia remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the potential causal effect of methotrexate use on the risk of dementia using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) approach. METHODS: We conducted a TSMR study using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of methotrexate use and dementia. We obtained genetic instruments for methotrexate use from a large-scale GWAS meta-analysis and genetic instruments for dementia from a separate GWAS meta-analysis. We performed several statistical analyses, including inverse-variance weighted (IVW), weighted median (WM1), weighted mode (WM2), and MR-Egger regression methods, to estimate the causal effect of methotrexate on dementia risk. RESULTS: Our TSMR analysis showed a significant positive association between genetic predisposition to methotrexate use and dementia risk. The IVW method estimated a causal odds ratio (OR) of 0.476 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.362-0.626] per unit increase in the log odds ratio of methotrexate use. WM1, WM2, and MR-Egger methods provided consistent results. CONCLUSION: The findings of this mendelian randomization (MR) study suggest a potential causal effect of methotrexate use on the risk of dementia. However, further research is needed to validate these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms. Since methotrexate is widely prescribed for various autoimmune diseases, a better understanding of its potential impact on dementia risk is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies and addressing potential adverse effects.

Ultrasound-Guided Sciatic Nerve Hydrodissection Can Improve the Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Deep Gluteal Syndrome: A Case-Series Study.

Deep gluteal syndrome (DGS) is caused by sciatic nerve entrapment. Because fascial entrapment neuropathies may occur in multiple locations, ultrasound-guided nerve hydrodissection is a key component of DGS treatment. In this study, we examined the clinical outcomes of patients with DGS undergoing ultrasound-guided sciatic nerve hydrodissection. A 10 mL mixture consisting of 5% dextrose, 0.2% lidocaine (Xylocaine), and 4 mg betamethasone (Rinderon) was used for nerve hydrodissection. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores of pain, the proportion of patients with favorable outcomes (reduction of ≥50% in pain), the duration for which patients exhibited favorable outcomes (percentage of follow-up duration), and the occurrence of major complications and minor side effects. A total of 53 patients were consecutively included and followed up for 3 to 19 months. After the initial injection, the NRS scores significantly improved at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and the final follow-up. Specifically, 73.6%, 71.7%, 64.2%, and 62.3% of the patients exhibited favorable outcomes at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and the final follow-up, respectively. The median duration for which the patients exhibited favorable outcomes was 84.7% of the follow-up period. Three patients (5.7%) experienced transient dizziness and vomiting, which resolved without further treatment. No vessel or nerve puncture was observed. Overall, ultrasound-guided sciatic nerve hydrodissection is a safe procedure that mitigates the pain associated with DGS. To achieve favorable outcomes, three consecutive injections 3 weeks apart are required.

Tandem Vinylogous Aldol and Intramolecular [2 + 2] Cycloaddition toward Benzocyclobutenes by UV Light Photocatalysis.

A facile and efficient radical tandem vinylogous aldol and intramolecular [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction for direct synthesis of cyclobutane-containing benzocyclobutenes (BCBs) under extremely mild conditions without using any photocatalysts is reported. This approach exhibited definite compatibility with functional groups and afforded new BCBs with excellent regioselectivity and high yields. Moreover, detailed mechanism studies were carried out both experimentally and theoretically. The readily accessible, low-cost, and ecofriendly nature of the developed strategy will endow it with attractive applications in organic and medicinal chemistry.

Lead-free Perovskite with Distorted [InX6]3- Octahedron Induced by Organic Cation and Enhanced PLQY by Sb Doping.

In-based halide perovskites have attracted a lot of attention because of their unique broadband emission properties. Herein, a series of In-based hybrid perovskites of (H2MP)2InCl7·H2O (1), (H2EP)2InCl7·H2O (2), (H2MP)2InBr7·H2O (3), and (H2EP)2InBr7·H2O (4) were synthesized under the control of halogen ions and organic cations. 1, 2, and 4 exhibit obvious photoluminescence properties with peaks at 392, 442, and 652 nm, respectively. The effects of the different components on the crystal structure and photoluminescence properties are discussed by calculating the structural distortion of the [InX6]3- octahedron. The photoluminescence properties of 1 and 4 were significantly improved after Sb3+ doping with PLQY values of 57.12 and 41.53%. Finally, a white LED was successfully fabricated with the two doped compounds coated onto the 365 nm blue LED chip.

Transmastoid Approach to Repair Iatrogenic Cerebrospinal Fluid Otorhinorrhea After Cerebellopontine Angle Tumor Resection.

BACKGROUND: The precise treatment of iatrogenic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) otorhinorrhea has been poorly studied. The purpose of the study was to investigate the clinical manifestation, surgical results, and management of CSF leak. METHODS: Electronic medical record database of iatrogenic CSF leaks after erebellopontine angle(CPA) surgery from 2019 to 2022 was retrospectively analyzed. Three patients returned to the hospital with the complication of CSF leak. After failed attempts of conservative strategies or reverse surgical repair, adipose tissue was applied to the mastoid cracks repair. RESULTS: With the techniques described above, the CSF leaks were successfully settled. The identified patients were observed for at least 10 months. and there was no recurrence or other complications. CONCLUSION: Conservative treatment and initial surgical methods for occult postoperative CSF leaks are prone to delay effective results, particularly in patients with well-evaporated temporal bone. This complication can be minimized with transmastoid closure utilizing autologous fat.

The use of belimumab on patients with both systemic lupus erythematosus and immune thrombocytopenia: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to provide a description of a group of retrospective cohort outcomes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) receiving belimumab. METHODS: This study reports on the treatment of 10 female patients (mean age 34.3 ± 14.0 years, mean weight 58.7 ± 18.2 kg) with both SLE and ITP who received belimumab in addition to basic drug therapy. The belimumab treatment regimen consisted of a dosage of 10 mg/kg, with an initial infusion every 2 weeks for the first 3 doses, followed by an infusion every 4 weeks. RESULTS: Ten patients were included in the study. The overall response rate of thrombocytopenia was 90% after treatment. The parameters such as platelet count, lymphocyte count, erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, dsDNA, C3, and C4 were significantly improved (p < .05). The SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), British Islet lupus Assessment Group 2004 (BILAG-2004), and Physician Global assessment (PGA) scores were significantly decreased (p < .05). There were no significant differences in glutamic pyruvic transaminase (ALT), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (AST), and serum creatinine (Scr) before and after treatment (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Belimumab shows promising clinical outcomes in the treatment on patients with both SLE and ITP. Further studies are needed to validate these findings in larger patient populations and compare the efficacy of belimumab with other treatments for SLE complicated with ITP. Long-term response rates and adverse events associated with belimumab treatment also warrant further investigation.

Di-n-butyl phthalate promotes the neural differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells through neurogenic differentiation 1.

An understanding of the risk of gene deletion and mutation posed by endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is necessary for the identification of etiological reagents for many human diseases. Therefore, the characterization of the genetic traits caused by developmental exposure to EDCs is an important research subject. A new regenerative approach using embryonic stem cells (ESCs) holds promise for the development of stem-cell-based therapies and the identification of novel therapeutic agents against human diseases. Here, we focused on the characterization of the genetic traits and alterations in pluripotency/stemness triggered by phthalate ester derivatives. Regarding their in vitro effects, we reported the abilities of ESCs regarding proliferation, cell-cycle control, and neural ectoderm differentiation. The expression of their stemness-related genes and their genetic changes toward neural differentiation were examined, which led to the observation that the tumor suppressor gene product p53/retinoblastoma protein 1 and its related cascades play critical functions in cell-cycle progression, cell death, and neural differentiation. In addition, the expression of neurogenic differentiation 1 was affected by exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate in the context of cell differentiation into neural lineages. The nervous system is one of the most sensitive tissues to exposure to phthalate ester derivatives. The present screening system provides a good tool for studying the mechanisms underlying the effects of EDCs on the developmental regulation of humans and rodents, especially on the neuronal development of ESCs.

PRMT5 is an actionable therapeutic target in CDK4/6 inhibitor-resistant ER+/RB-deficient breast cancer.

CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) have improved survival of patients with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. However, patients treated with CDK4/6i eventually develop drug resistance and progress. RB1 loss-of-function alterations confer resistance to CDK4/6i, but the optimal therapy for these patients is unclear. Through a genome-wide CRISPR screen, we identify protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) as a molecular vulnerability in ER+/RB1-knockout breast cancer cells. Inhibition of PRMT5 blocks the G1-to-S transition in the cell cycle independent of RB, leading to growth arrest in RB1-knockout cells. Proteomics analysis uncovers fused in sarcoma (FUS) as a downstream effector of PRMT5. Inhibition of PRMT5 results in dissociation of FUS from RNA polymerase II, leading to hyperphosphorylation of serine 2 in RNA polymerase II, intron retention, and subsequent downregulation of proteins involved in DNA synthesis. Furthermore, treatment with the PRMT5 inhibitor pemrametostat and a selective ER degrader fulvestrant synergistically inhibits growth of ER+/RB-deficient cell-derived and patient-derived xenografts. These findings highlight dual ER and PRMT5 blockade as a potential therapeutic strategy to overcome resistance to CDK4/6i in ER+/RB-deficient breast cancer.

Rapid Long-distance Migration of RPA on Single Stranded DNA Occurs Through Intersegmental Transfer Utilizing Multivalent Interactions.

Replication Protein A (RPA) is asingle strandedDNA(ssDNA)binding protein that coordinates diverse DNA metabolic processes including DNA replication, repair, and recombination. RPA is a heterotrimeric protein with six functional oligosaccharide/oligonucleotide (OB) domains and flexible linkers. Flexibility enables RPA to adopt multiple configurations andis thought to modulate its function. Here, usingsingle moleculeconfocal fluorescencemicroscopy combinedwith optical tweezers and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, we investigated the diffusional migration of single RPA molecules on ssDNA undertension.The diffusioncoefficientDis the highest (20,000nucleotides2/s) at 3pNtension and in 100 mMKCl and markedly decreases whentensionor salt concentrationincreases. We attribute the tension effect to intersegmental transfer which is hindered by DNA stretching and the salt effect to an increase in binding site size and interaction energy of RPA-ssDNA. Our integrative study allowed us to estimate the size and frequency of intersegmental transfer events that occur through transient bridging of distant sites on DNA by multiple binding sites on RPA. Interestingly, deletion of RPA trimeric core still allowed significant ssDNA binding although the reduced contact area made RPA 15-fold more mobile. Finally, we characterized the effect of RPA crowding on RPA migration. These findings reveal how the high affinity RPA-ssDNA interactions are remodeled to yield access, a key step in several DNA metabolic processes.

Nelumbo nucifera leaves extract ameliorated scopolamine-induced cognition impairment via enhanced adult hippocampus neurogenesis.

In this presentation, we explored the molecular mechanisms of N. nucifera leaf water extracts (NLWEs) and polyphenol extract (NLPE) on scopolamine-induced cell apoptosis and cognition defects. The administration of NLWE and NLPE did not alter the body weight and serum biomarker rs and significantly ameliorated scopolamine-induced cognition impairment according to Y-maze test analysis. In mice, treatment with scopolamine disrupted normal histoarchitecture in the hippocampus, whereas the administration of NLWE and NLPE reversed the phenomenon. Western blot analysis revealed that scopolamine mitigated the expression of doublecortin (DCX), nestin, and NeuN, and cotreatment with NLWE or NLPE significantly recovered the expression of these proteins. NLWE and NLPE upregulated DCX and NeuN expression in the hippocampus region, as evidenced by immunohistochemical staining analysis of scopolamine-treated mice. NLWE and NLPE obviously elevated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and enhanced its downstream proteins activity. NLWE and NLPE attenuated scopolamine-induced apoptosis by reducing Bax and increased Bcl-2 expression. In addition, scopolamine also triggered apoptosis in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells whereas co-treatment with NLWE or quercetin-3-glucuronide (Q3G) reversed the phenomenon. NLWE or Q3G enhanced Bcl-2 and reduced Bax expression in the presence of scopolamine in SH-SY5Y cells. NLWE or Q3G recovered the inhibitory effects of scopolamine on neurogenesis and BDNF signals in SH-SY5Y cells. Overall, our results revealed that N. nucifera leaf extracts and Q3G promoted adult hippocampus neurogenesis and prevented apoptosis to mitigate scopolamine-induced cognition dysfunction through the regulation of BDNF signaling pathway.

A bibliometric analysis of the research status and trends in studies on polymyositis and dermatomyositis with interstitial lung disease from 2000 to 2022 using Web of Science.

BACKGROUND: The main subtypes of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs)-polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM)-are often presented as interstitial lung disease (ILD) in clinical practice; therefore, many researchers have combined the three studies into PM/DM with ILD. METHODS: Using bibliometrics, the research status, progress, and hotspots of PM/DM with ILD between 2000 and 2022 were studied. Literature data on PM/DM with ILD were retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) database for the research period. Visualization software, including VOSviewer, Pajek, CiteSpace, and Scimago Graphica were used for bibliometric analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1555 relevant articles were obtained, and the overall research in this field showed an increasing trend. Regarding contributing countries and venues, Japan published the most articles while Rheumatology was the most prolific journal. Regarding authors, the most published article was by Wang Guochun from Changchun University of Technology in China. Keyword analysis and cocited literature cluster analysis showed that diagnosis, classification, autoantibodies, antibodies, prognosis, complications, and treatment of PM/DM with ILD have been hot topics in this field recently. Moreover, our study shows that anti-mda5 antibody, mortality, gene 5 antibody, IIMs, double-blind, and prognostic factors, among others, may be new hot topics. CONCLUSION: This study found that research on PM/DM with ILD has increased over time, and scholars are paying more attention to this field. The development of new drugs for the management, treatment, and prevention of PM/DM with ILD is the primary task of researchers and a direction for future research in this field.

SARS-CoV-2 spike-FLIPr fusion protein plus lipidated FLIPr protects against various SARS-CoV-2 variants in hamsters.

Vaccine-induced mucosal immunity and broad protective capacity against various severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants remain inadequate. Formyl peptide receptor-like 1 inhibitory protein (FLIPr), produced by Staphylococcus aureus, can bind to various Fcγ receptor subclasses. Recombinant lipidated FLIPr (rLF) was previously found to be an effective adjuvant. In this study, we developed a vaccine candidate, the recombinant Delta SARS-CoV-2 spike (rDS)-FLIPr fusion protein (rDS-F), which employs the property of FLIPr binding to various Fcγ receptors. Our study shows that rDS-F plus rLF promotes rDS capture by dendritic cells. Intranasal vaccination of mice with rDS-F plus rLF increases persistent systemic and mucosal antibody responses and CD4/CD8 T-cell responses. Importantly, antibodies induced by rDS-F plus rLF vaccination neutralize Delta, Wuhan, Alpha, Beta, and Omicron strains. Additionally, rDS-F plus rLF provides protective effects against various SARS-CoV-2 variants in hamsters by reducing inflammation and viral loads in the lung. Therefore, rDS-F plus rLF is a potential vaccine candidate to induce broad protective responses against various SARS-CoV-2 variants.IMPORTANCEMucosal immunity is vital for combating pathogens, especially in the context of respiratory diseases like COVID-19. Despite this, most approved vaccines are administered via injection, providing systemic but limited mucosal protection. Developing vaccines that stimulate both mucosal and systemic immunity to address future coronavirus mutations is a growing trend. However, eliciting strong mucosal immune responses without adjuvants remains a challenge. In our study, we have demonstrated that using a recombinant severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike-formyl peptide receptor-like 1 inhibitory protein (FLIPr) fusion protein as an antigen, in combination with recombinant lipidated FLIPr as an effective adjuvant, induced simultaneous systemic and mucosal immune responses through intranasal immunization in mice and hamster models. This approach offered protection against various SARS-CoV-2 strains, making it a promising vaccine candidate for broad protection. This finding is pivotal for future broad-spectrum vaccine development.